Creating an Entrance

DIY Styling Tips

22 May

A homes entrance reminds me of the saying, “The eyes are the windows to your soul”.

When the front door opens, it’s like opening your arms for a warm hug, welcoming family, friends and guests into your hearth. It’s the first impression people receive showing your aesthetic and decorating style, which can be revealing and exciting. Yet many people feel exposed and uncertain… as the entrance hasn’t received the design attention it deserves.

Here I’ve created some steps to inject some personality back into your entrance space.

House Theme (Historical relevance)

Is your house of a certain era? If so, do you wish to follow the house style? Here are some Australian Heritage home style dates that could assist you understanding your homes heritage:

Victorian 1840 - 1901
Queen Anne 1895 - 1910
Edwardian, also known as Federation style, 1901 - 1914
Californian Bungalow 1910 - 1930
or Modern 1945 - 1970

Or are you wishing to re-design the interiors with a more individual theme like Modern / Mid Century / Hamptons or a combination of various elements like an Eclectic interior concept?

Understanding which design style you are considering will provide clarity for moving forward.

Colour

Choosing Colours can be overwhelming. What colours do you like? What does colour make you feel? Look at your clothes, often there’s repetitive colours displayed. People who like contemporary and modern design often find monochromatic or neutral colours fabulous for interior palettes. These palettes create good canvases for a ‘pop’ of accent colour.

If you like colour, consider a palette of 3 colours, or 5 if you must, and stay within this chosen palette!

In following an Heritage colour scheme, each style has its own colour palette. Here’s a link with Victoria’s housing styles and colours - https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/your-home/what-house-is-that/

I always purchase sample colours and paint every wall that natural light hits. Every paint colour has full strength, 1/2 strength, 1/4 strength variations. (*Note: sample pots only come in full strength.)

Furniture solutions

These furniture elements can add functionality with style … console table, bench seat, wall mirror and either a coat hook / hooks on the wall.

Furniture only works if the items are proportionate to the entrance space. Always measure the space intended: length x depth x height before purchasing. An entrance is firstly a thorough-fare. Therefore consoles and benches can’t be too deep if the space is narrow. The open space still needs about 800mm to walk through comfortably.
Console tables come with storage drawers, shelf spaces for baskets, or bench tops in a range of materials, forms and colours. There are many local designers that hand make console tables, so consider supporting local with a custom design.
A wall mirror, often sitting over a console, makes a space look larger by reflecting light. Think a large round or curved mirror to balance a rectangular console. They also provide a last minute check as you run out the door!
All entrance spaces need storage. Coats and bags are in abundance, especially during the cold winter months. Coat hooks or wall hooks take up little room and are functional and groovy in an assortment of designs.

Styling

Have fun with colour, texture and shapes. Adding plants, wall paintings, art or furniture, provides focal points.

Potted plants at an entrance, in a cluster, or alone, breathes life through the home. If you cluster, always balance with odd numbers and different heights.

Wall art adds colour and makes a statement. A large painting demands attention whilst a smaller art piece draws you in. A series of art prints or photos in frames running down a hallway creates a pathway to follow…

Sculptures, benches, chairs, or displays of quirky collections all highlight and welcome all who enter.

Your space, your home, your individual aesthetic … it’s worth having a try, or you will waste time wondering!

🌺 Enjoy the challenge, Jane.